7 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Taking Out a Short-Term Loan to Fund Your Home Improvements

Table of Contents

1. 7 Questions You Need to Ask Before Getting a Short-Term Loan[+]
   1. What are the Advantages/Disadvantages of Short-Term Loans?
   2. What are Short-Term Loan Options Available?
   3. How Long Will It Take to Pay Back the Loan?
   4. Can You Comfortably Afford the Repayments?
   5. Does Your Loan Come With a One-Time Fee?
   6. Will Your Credit Affect the Loan’s Interest Rate?
   7. What Type of Home Renovation Project are you Completing?
2. Consider a Home Equity or Long-Term Personal Loan Instead

To maintain the value and livability of their property, homeowners often need to make repairs or extensive improvements. However, home improvement projects, whether DIY or hired, can be costly. Consequently, many homeowners opt to take out short-term loans to finance their renovation projects. Additionally, considering a loan to fund your home improvements can be a strategic financial decision.

7 Questions You Need to Ask Before Getting a Short-Term Loan

While many positives come with a short-term loan, they aren’t for everyone.

Here are 7 questions you should ask before getting a short-term loan for your next home renovation.

1. What are the Advantages/Disadvantages of Short-Term Loans?

Before getting a short-term loan, you have to ask yourself why you’re choosing this option in the first place. Short-term loans are easier to acquire, don’t incur as much interest, and allow the borrower to acquire funds more quickly. The loan’s credit requirements are also less stringent.

However, short-term loans can be disastrous for your credit if the lender pulls a hard inquiry or you miss multiple payments. It’s easier to fall into a debt trap if you take out many high-interest short-term loans, as you’ll likely need new loans to make payments or refinance the old loan.

2. What are Short-Term Loan Options Available?

Homeowners and real estate investors have plenty of short-term loan options to explore. Some options may not be applicable if you’re planning to live in the house or don’t own a business.

Personal Loan

A short-term personal or installment loan is available to homeowners and investors. Personal loans are often the best way to receive a large sum if you have great credit. The money is often wired to the borrower’s bank account in minutes, especially if you complete an application online and don’t need to offer up collateral.

Merchant Cash Advances

While this short-term option is a cash advance, it still functions as a short-term loan. The lender will still loan the amount needed by the borrower, but the borrower will make loan payments by allowing the lender access to their credit facility. The lender takes a percentage of the borrower’s proceeds every time a customer purchases until the loan is paid off.

Payday Loans

A payday loan is a short-term emergency loan that’s very easy to obtain. The borrower must pay the loan back in full on their next payday, and the interest is often very high. Repayments are pulled from the borrower’s bank account.

Lines of Credit

A line of credit is similar to a credit card but has a lower interest rate. Monthly payments vary based on how much you borrow, and you can make payments yourself from a bank app. Most lines of credit are only available if you have good credit.

Invoice Financing

This loan is used by a business’s accounts receivables and utilizes invoices that are unpaid by customers. Construction companies may use this loan type if you buy or rent equipment. These loans are optimal for large-scale projects.

The short-term loan option you choose will depend on the amount of money you’ll need and how quickly you’ll need it. For example, a sudden plumbing problem will need your immediate attention, making a payday or same-day personal loan a great option if you’re low on funds.

On the other hand, lines of credit are perfect for consistent borrowing, commonly found with long-term projects. For example, basement renovations or building a detached garage.

3. How Long Will It Take to Pay Back the Loan?

Paying back a short-term loan can be tough, as most lenders expect total repayment in under a year. The average short-term loan repayment schedule ranges from six to 18 months. While you’ll incur more interest with an 18-month loan, you’re less likely to default and stay in debt.

4. Can You Comfortably Afford the Repayments?

Short-term loans are perfect if you want to support a temporary personal or business capital need. However, they have to be paid off quickly (and in full), making your repayment schedule short and your minimum payments high compared to long-term loans.

More money isn’t always better, especially when it comes to a short-term loan. The more you borrow, the more you’ll have to pay back, so determine the exact amount you need for your project. As a rule, don’t spend more than 35% to 43% on debt to manage your payments.

5. Does Your Loan Come With a One-Time Fee?

Some short-term loan lenders will charge a sign-up or origination fee, but it isn’t common. If the lender does request an origination fee, it’ll usually be 1% to 5% of the total loan amount. For example, a $5,000 loan with a 5% origination fee will leave the borrower with $4,750 to spend.

6. Will Your Credit Affect the Loan’s Interest Rate?

90% of the time, the answer to this question will be “yes” unless the loan amount is small or you’re putting up collateral. If the short-term loan option requires a credit check, you’ll want to score between 740-850 to receive the lowest interest rate possible.

7. What Type of Home Renovation Project are you Completing?

Since short-term loans require prompt repayment, you’ll want to get your money’s worth. The average cost to remodel a house ranges from $19,800 to $73,200, but renovations focusing on the bathroom, kitchen, basement, and attic will give you the highest return if you sell.

If you’re a flipper, you may rely on a quick return, so place your focus on projects that bring the most value to the home. Even if you plan on staying in your house for a while, it’s still a good idea to accurately price the materials you need to ensure you don’t underspend or overspend.

Consider a Home Equity or Long-Term Personal Loan Instead

If you’re a homeowner and don’t think a short-term loan is the right option, consider a home equity or long-term personal loan instead. A home equity loan turns your home’s equity into a line of credit, and a long-term personal loan offers a significantly longer repayment period.

Thank you for reading!